Author Cat Bohannon discusses how science has historically focused on male bodies, but that is changing with more women and BIPOC entering STEM fields. She highlights the significance of studying the female body in understanding human evolution. The podcast also explores the problematic treatment of physical health in wellness spaces, the misconceptions surrounding gender and LGBTQ support, and the importance of gynecology in human evolution. It addresses the obstacles towards achieving sex egalitarianism and emphasizes the progress made in STEM fields.
Scientific research has predominantly focused on male bodies, leading to a range of problems for women.
Including women and BIPOC individuals in STEM fields is crucial for a more inclusive understanding of science.
Tailoring opioid prescriptions to account for gender differences can ensure safe and effective pain management.
Deep dives
The book discusses the historical bias in scientific research towards male bodies and the need for inclusivity.
The book explores how scientific research, particularly in the medical field, has predominantly focused on male bodies, leading to a range of problems for women. The author highlights the importance of including women and BIPOC individuals in STEM fields to bring about a more inclusive and expansive understanding of science. By shedding light on the biases in research, the book aims to encourage a more comprehensive approach to studying the female body.
The book challenges myths and misconceptions surrounding female bodies and pregnancy.
The book addresses common misconceptions, such as the idea that women endure more pain during childbirth than men and that epidurals are harmful to the baby. It explores the evolutionary and biological aspects of the female body, highlighting the complex relationship between the maternal-fetal competition and the maternal immune system. The author also discusses the need to demystify and debunk unscientific claims surrounding pregnancy and childbirth.
The book emphasizes the importance of understanding gender diversity and transgender experiences in relation to biology.
The author shares personal experiences as a queer woman and highlights the need for inclusivity when discussing gender and biology. The book challenges the limited understanding of gender and emphasizes the biological diversity that exists beyond binary concepts. It also acknowledges the role of activism in shaping scientific research and calls for a deeper recognition of the interplay between politics and science.
Gender differences in opioid metabolism
Female patients metabolize opioid drugs differently than males, leading to the need for higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief. Due to the unique metabolism in female livers, the effects of opioid drugs tend to clear the female body at a different rate compared to males, making female patients more susceptible to addiction. This highlights the importance of tailoring opioid prescriptions to account for these gender differences to ensure safe and effective pain management.
Microbiome science and misinformation
The field of microbiome science is an emerging frontier that offers insights into the complex relationship between our gut health and overall well-being. However, there is still a lot that we don't know, and current advice on nutrition and supplementation targeting the microbiome should be approached with caution. While gut health is important, claims about specific diets or supplements impacting the microbiome should be viewed skeptically, as the science behind it is still evolving. It's crucial to rely on evidence-based information and avoid falling for marketing tactics that oversimplify the complex nature of the microbiome.
Science evolves, often through fits and starts. Yet for most of medical history, there’s been one consistent theme: most science has been conducted on male bodies. And this has created a range of problems for women.
Thankfully, says Cat Bohannon, that’s changing. As more women and BIPOC are entering the STEM fields, we’re undergoing a renaissance in our understanding of a more inclusive and expansive science. On today’s episode, the author of Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution tells Derek how much science has gotten wrong by focusing exclusively on male bodies—and what we’re now doing right.